In this June 27, 2011 file photo, the Nike Air Jordan logo is shown in front of the Niketown store in downtown Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

(Newser)
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Nothing like pepper spray to make for a happy holiday story: When a Washington mall sold out of the new Nike Air Jordans released this morning, things turned violent and police had to spray the crowd. More than 1,000 people had lined up at 4am to buy the 11 Retro Concords, which retail for $180; about 50 walked away empty-handed. A fight broke out and about 20 people got sprayed, KOMONews.com reports. One man was arrested for allegedly pushing a police officer.

"People have been maced. It's ridiculous, all for a shoe," said one shopper, who added that he waited in line "because it was a Christmas present, and it's the only thing I wanted." Another shopper said the craziness was worth it because of the shoe’s value; pairs were selling for up to $420 online. And Washington wasn't the only place where things got crazy; TMZ reports that there were also brawls in Kentucky and North Carolina. Fox 5 Atlanta notes that at least four people were arrested at a mall outside that city when a throng of customers broke down a door to get into the mall before it opened. One of the arrested women allegedly left two kids in her car when she went to buy the shoes.

Shoe riots? Geeze people. I remember a kid I went to school with bought a pair of the predecessor of these and got mugged on the way home. He then bought another pair and was mugged again. After losing 2 pairs of shoes he gave up.

MDD

Dec 24, 2011 8:59 AM CST

Now I look forward to the body count to come, as these idiiots rob and kill each other as they wearing these stupid shoes on the street. Darwin thining the heard...